Embracing Quiet with Sustainable Landscaping

A revolution is quietly taking root in Sun City. Frustrated with noisy polluting gas-powered landscaping equipment, a group of residents has opted for a landscaping company, Landscape in Paradise’ that exclusively uses quieter environmentally friendly battery-powered tools. Their customer list has grown to twelve Sun City homeowners in just 90 days. This number will surely grow as satisfied customers spread the word of their affordable high-quality service.

Sun City residents are not alone in their pursuit of peaceful landscapes. Throughout the United States, over a hundred communities and homeowners associations have already implemented bans on gasoline-powered landscaping equipment. With concerns over noise and air pollution, as well as the health of workers operating these tools, beginning next year California will be banning the sale of these highly polluting small gasoline engines. These bans highlight the pressing need for change in the landscaping industry.

What is new in this movement is the availability of reliable and reasonably priced battery-powered equipment. Companies like Landscape in Paradise are demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of using battery-powered tools for landscaping needs. Major retailers have acknowledged the demand for such equipment and have begun offering a wide range of options to consumers. Home Depot expects that by 2028, more than 85% of U.S. sales in outdoor power equipment will be battery powered. Furthermore, recent federal legislation has introduced significant tax breaks to incentivize the purchase of electric equipment, making the switch even more appealing.

The impact of this movement can be observed closer to home as well. In October 2021, the Charleston City Council joined other cities across the country by passing a resolution to transition their gas-powered leaf blowers to electric alternatives by mid-summer of 2023. Sea Pines HOA on Hilton Head Island has also implemented regulations, requiring leaf blowers to operate below specific noise levels, effectively elimi- nating gas-powered models. These measures not only benefit residents by reducing noise pollution but also set a precedent for other homeowner associations in the area to adopt similar policies.

The success and growing adoption of battery-powered landscaping equipment offers hope for a greener and quieter future. Gasoline powered lawn-edgers and leaf-blowers are at the top of the list of toxic fume producers, spewing into the environment nearly as much raw gasoline as they burn. Isn’t it time all HOAs, including SCHHCA, begin moving toward their removal from our neighborhoods creating a ripple effect of positive change for the environment, for workers, and for the overall quality of life. Visit lcenvironment.org to read why Leaf Blowers are Worse for Communities than Just Being Noisy.

For more information about ‘Landscape in Paradise’, contact Lowcountry Environmental Action at lcenvironment@gmail. com.

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